(no subject)

[tsutsujigirl]

I'm so, so tired. We're working hard to train Poppy; we're taking some classes, and using a clicker, which she's responding really well to. I'm also now using "umbilical training" where you have the dog leashed to you or tethered in the same room. It keeps her from having accidents. And it does work, but damn, I get nothing else done. I was feeling so good about finally having a house routine and getting things under control, and now it's all been shot to hell.

I know that, like with kids, the more work I put in now, the easier it will be in the long run, but I'm exhausted right now. On the upside, she can at least get through the night without having to go out now, and she is learning the commands. And she barely jumps at all, which I love. I hate dogs jumping on me.

The cottonwoods are making me miserable. Headaches, exhaustion, and constant sniffles. I have a busy weekend coming up, but frankly I'm so tired I'm having trouble getting enthused about it. Especially having to do all the driving.

Mina is crying every night because of PARCC testing and "girl drama." At least the test are ending today.

I know I'm whining a lot. I'm just really struggling to stay positive right now.

Comments

[oracleofdoom]

One of the reasons we got an adult dog was so we wouldn't have to deal with the potty training, but the joke was on us. You've seen how Byron has accidents whenever he's excited.

[tsutsujigirl]

Yeah, but Byron is a sweetie overall, so I think you guys got lucky :)

[silveradept]

Perhaps someone else can tether the dog for a bit so that you can have some freedom?

College prep exams for Mina already? That seems awful early.

[tsutsujigirl]

Nope, PARCC is the standardized state exams--the ones that arbitrarily determine how much money a school gets. Mina said it was miserable. I'm debating about opting her out next year.

[silveradept]

I can only guess how harrowing it is when schools have their funding tied to whether or not students do well on a test once a year. Blech.